A hybrid architecture for analog video broadcast and B-ISDNservices in customer premises networks

The use of SCM (subcarrier multiplexing) transmission to deliver broadcast analog video signals within a CPN (customer premises network) as an overlay to an all-digital B-ISDN (broadband integrated services digital network) is considered. The feasibility of a proposal where the analog and digital signals are carried on different wavelengths is shown. An architecture for an optical CPN, termed H-Bus and incorporating emerging broadband SONET and ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) standards, is taken as a baseline for the delivery of switched digital, two-way voice, data, and video services. An optical overlay for the distribution of analog, broadcast video services using subcarrier multiplexing is considered. Several key alternatives associated with the delivery of broadcast video services are assessed, including signal quality, number of simultaneous channels, number of user terminals to be served, and modulation format. These issues are considered in terms of their impact on the interface with the public local exchange network and on the complexity, topology, and cost of the CPN     

Implementation of a broadband integrated services hybrid network

The issues involved in the design of a broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN), that utilizes optical fibers in the subscriber loop, are considered. A hybrid scheme that provides integrated access to ISDN and broadband services by delivering voice/data signals in a digital format while using an analog format for full-motion video services to subscribers is proposed. The discussion covers planning for a B-ISDN, the system concept, implementation, the loop fiber network, subscriber equipment, and cost comparison and analysis     

HFC Access Network Design for Switched Broadcast TV Services

The hybrid fiber coax (HFC) is a modern broadband access network, providing advanced interactive services such as Internet access, digital interactive television and cable telephony. The edge costs dominate the cost of launching new services, at the time of deployment (CapEx) as well as for maintenance (OpEx). Therefore next-generation edge devices aim at the convergence of these services and their platforms into a single multi-service infrastructure, thus sharing resources and bandwidth. The focus of this paper is on the HFC access network design for bandwidth-intensive TV services, bringing standard as well as switched broadcast technologies into play. Standard broadcast TV service deployments, offered through the digital video broadcast (DVB) platform, require low installation costs, but the bandwidth consumption increases linearly with the number of available TV channels, even for very unpopular channels. Switched broadcast TV channels, offered on the (Euro-) DOCSIS platform together with other interactive unicast services such as video on demand, are only streamed to a node on the HFC access network if they are requested locally, thus limiting bandwidth consumption for less popular channels. We present an access network design tool, based on an analytical TV traffic model, minimizing the installation cost on the edge devices and study the influence of the most important traffic and content parameters.     

A multimedia STM switch prototype

There is no doubt the concept of ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) has gripped the technical community and has raised the hope for truly integrated voice, data, imaging, and video services. Such a dream was never possible before because of the diverse bandwidth requirements of each service type. Existing narrowband switches could not possibly keep up with widely varying channel bandwidth or the enormous aggregate bandwidth required. New methods of signaling would also be required to support new broadband services. The signaling itself might need varying degrees of bandwidth, and would likely be carried in the same stream as the data, yet be easily distinguishable. A common unit of information in the form of a 53 byte cell, including a header that helps determine the final destination of that cell, was adopted as the broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN) standard. While a great deal of work has progressed on ATM since the standard was adopted, there remains a camp that voices concerns as to the technical challenges that face deployment of ATM for certain services. In particular, concerns have been raised questioning the use of ATM networks to effectively route traffic that is constant-bit-rate (CBR) in nature and highly correlated. Voice and video services are of particular interest because of their potential economic markets. While it is almost certain that ATM, given enough time and resources, will prove its ability to handle these services, it behooves us to look for alternatives based on experience with existing telecommunications products. We present work completed in this area     

Evolving from narrowband [ISDN]

A nodal system architecture developed by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) that will allow stepwise evolution to broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN), starting from the current nationwide narrowband integrated services digital network (N-ISDN) system in Japan, is discussed. The status of the current N-ISDN and the requirements for B-ISDN as the next step after N-ISDN are discussed, followed by a scenario for the evolution of B-ISDN from N-ISDN. A plan is outlined for the first ATM switching service for high-speed data transfer and a nodal system architecture permitting easy evolution to full B-ISDN     

The infrastructure for gigabit computer networks

The key features of the synchronous optical network (SONET) and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) standards for the broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN) public network, which is expected to provide a powerful and ubiquitous infrastructure to support the emerging gigabit-per-second data and multimedia applications, are reviewed. The advantages of ATM, the ATM cell format, the B-ISDN protocol reference model and the ATM layer, the ATM adaptation layer, and ATM traffic management and signaling are discussed. An experimental high-performance parallel interface (HIPPI)-ATM-SONET interface is presented as an example to illustrate how the SONET and ATM techniques can be used to provide end-to-end transport for applications requiring a bandwidth of 800 Mb/s and possibly 1600 Mb/s     

Remote delivery of video services using mm-waves and optics

Advantages of a radio-based final drop for video delivery are outlined and spectral availability constraints that lead to the identification of the mm-wave region of the radio spectrum as the most appropriate for this application are discussed. The possibility of simultaneously supporting other broadband services, such as B-ISDN and traffic information systems (IVHS), enhance the attractiveness of a radio link. A large number of antenna units need to be served due to the limited propagation distances achievable at mm-wave frequencies, and therefore, a low-cost generation and delivery method has to be developed. In this paper, alternatives for the optical generation and distribution of mm-wave signals are reviewed and a new method is proposed that eases the bandwidth, and hence the cost, of the required optoelectronic components. An assessment of the relative merits of the methods is given     

Frame relaying as a common access to N-ISDN and B-ISDN dataservices

Widespread use of personal computers (PCs) and PC networks is leading to a strongly increased demand for WAN data services in terms of number of accesses and required bandwidth. Narrowband ISDN (N-ISDN) and broadband ISDN (B-ISDN) have the potential to satisfy, respectively, the existing and developing requirements. However, a flexible evolution path needs to be identified for the provision of ISDN access facilities. Frame relaying and frame switching are prime candidates for such a common access facility, although not necessarily intrinsic B-ISDN data services. The article gives an overview of frame relaying and frame switching as possible candidates for harmonized access to N-ISDN and B-ISDN. Pre-ISDN, N-ISDN, and B-ISDN services with their characteristics in terms of cost and performance are first described. It is shown how frame relaying and switching are positioned with respect to the identified service requirements. Then some examples are given of selected scenarios, and the role played by specifically frame relaying to provide access to B-ISDN services, offering at the same time a seamless evolutionary path from N-ISDN to B-ISDN. The position of frame relaying and switching is discussed first in respect to application requirements, and then in architectural terms. Frame relay (and frame switching) services are then identified as services that provide the necessary low threshold and short lead time for rapid market penetration, in order to allow applications to indirectly take advantage of the benefits of ATM services     

Making broadband-ISDN successful

It is argued that the technology needed to support the emerging broadband integrated services digital network technology (B-ISDN) is on the horizon, but the deployment of this technology in the telecommunication plant will not be sufficient to make B-ISDN a commercial success. Two corequisites for ensuring the long-term success of the emerging B-ISDN include stimulating the demand for bandwidth by inventing and promoting new telecommunication applications, and enabling the interconnection or convergence of the emerging high-speed network and the existing cable television infrastructure. The author believes that this is necessary because no alternative seems to offer a workable base for financing the transition to B-ISDN and for reaching the needed economy of scale, and because the intrinsic value of the public network grows combinatorially with the number of subscribers     

A comparison between the OSI reference model and the B-ISDNprotocol reference model

The author presents views on the relationships between the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model (RM) and the broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN) protocol reference model (PRM), in an attempt to facilitate an interconnection between B-ISDN and data networks conforming to the OSI standards. According to the International Telecommunications Union-Telecommunications Sector (ITU-T), the exact relationship between the lower layers of the OSI RM and the B-ISDN PRM is for further study     

Improving IPTV Forwarding Mechanism in IEEE 802.16j MMR Networks Based on Aggregation

Internet protocol television (IPTV) service depends on the network quality of service (QoS) and bandwidth of the broadband service provider. IEEE 802.16j mobile multihop relay Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access networks have the opportunity to offer high bandwidth capacity by introducing relay stations. However, to actually satisfy QoS requirements for offering IPTV services (HDTV, SDTV, Web TV, and mobile TV) for heterogeneous users' requests, providers must use a video server for each IPTV service type, which increases the network load, especially bandwidth consumption and forwarding time. In this paper, we present a solution for forwarding IPTV video streaming to diverse subscribers via an 802.16j broadband wireless access network. In particular, we propose a new multicast tree construction and aggregation mechanism based on the unique property of prime numbers. Performance evaluation results show that the proposed scheme reduces both bandwidth consumption and forwarding time.     

Architectures for broadband residential IP services over CATVnetworks

The current state of the art in digital broadband access technologies to support emerging telecommunications services makes imminent the introduction of interactive broadband services-including data, video and the Internet-into the residential market. Over the last few years, much attention has been paid to the development of media access control protocols for cable TV networks that will allow the immediate support of broadband data services as the first step toward enhanced communications services for residential users. We review some of the architectural options that must be carefully considered in order to deliver Internet protocol (IP) services to such users in an efficient yet flexible manner. Future residential cable data services are expected to deliver Internet access, work-at-home applications, small business access, local area network LAN-LAN interconnect, and LAN emulation services over cable (CATV) networks     

Traffic management for B-ISDN services

A set of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) bearer service categories, differentiated in terms of quality of service (QOS), that will support the large spectrum of applications expected in broadband integrated services digital networks (B-ISDN) is defined. The evolution of applications and the traffic requirements in B-ISDN/ATM networks are described, and the evolution of network services to address these requirements is discussed. The definition of ATM bearer service categories necessary for the economical support of initial applications and evolution to future B-ISDN services is proposed. The elements of the ATM traffic management strategy to support these service categories are presented     

B-ISDN multimedia workstation architecture

Technical issues involved in integrating computer and communication technologies in the broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN) environment are discussed. The Multimedia Environment for Remote Multiple-Attendee Interactive Decision-making (MERMAID), an ISDN-based multimedia and multiparty desktop conference system, is described. MERMAID involves B-ISDN key technologies related to multimedia and multicast protocols, and workstation architecture for groupware applications. Technical issues based on user experiences and evaluations of MERMAID over three years are presented and discussed in connection with the system's evolution in the B-ISDN environment     

B-ISDN and the OSI protocol reference model

The evolution of public telecommunication networks toward broadband integrated services digital networks (B-ISDNs) is presented. The asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), which supports B-ISDNs, and the B-ISDN protocol reference model are discussed. It is shown that the service offered by the ATM layer in the B-ISDN protocol reference model is equivalent to the service offered by the OSI physical layer. It is also shown that the service offered by the ATM adaptation layer (AAL) type 3/4 is similar to an OSI data link service. The emergence of the metropolitan area network (MAN) standard as an intermediate support for broadband services and the similarities between the DQDB MAC and the AAL type 3/4 in its connectionless mode are discussed     

广播电视有线网络频谱资源及优化分析

首先分析了广电运营商完成前期双向网络整转后,包括模拟音频广播、模拟电视节目、数字音频广播、高标清电视节目、双向互动及宽带数据业务在内的频率规划方案;其次分析了网络传输、用户接入、视频编解码等关键技术和业务承载的发展方向;最后提出全数字化后广播电视网络频率划分建议.     

A guide to data communications: B-ISDN and how it works

The capabilities of the emerging broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN) are examined. Fundamental differences between broadband and narrowband ISDN are identified. The basics of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), the switching technique used by BISDN networks, are discussed. Channel identification, generic flow control, using ATM, and connectionless service are considered. The first services expected to make use of ATM are briefly described     

Broadband ISDN Switching Capabilities from a Services Perspective

Broadband switching and transmission technologies are maturing rapidly, promising to make broadband ISDN (B-ISDN) possible and potentially economical in the near future. The diversity of possible B-ISDN services provides much impetus for the implementation of B-ISDN, but complicates the task of specifying network switching requirements. This paper examines a few representative services in order to generate a set of basis vectors in capability space. New services are then projected onto this basis; if a new service cannot be constructed from the basis vectors, other vectors are added to the basis set. B-ISDN architects can then specify switching requirements by selecting those capability basis vectors that are required for the services most in demand. For full motion entertainment video services, circuit switching capability at about 150 Mbit/s may be required, while selective broadcast and remote switching capabilities may reduce the cost of these services. For subvideo-rate services, new transfer mode (NTM) capability may be required to allow users the flexibility to allocate access channels dynamically on a per-call basis. Multiple connection (e.g., voice and video) and multiple party call capabilities may be required for many B-ISDN services, implying a need to extend the ISDN signaling protocol. The capability for the user to request network code conversion between different coding formats (e.g., NTSC or HDTV), and network compression of signals to reduce the cost of interoffice facilities, may also be required. Finally, fast call setup capability and high calling volume capabilities may be required, implying a need to distribute call processing functions over multiple processors in the central office.     

Delivery of low bit rate isochronous streams over the DOCSIS 1.0cable television protocol

The Data Over Cable Systems Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 1.0 protocol enables the delivery of Internet Protocol (IP) traffic over cable TV networks with significantly higher data rates when compared to analogue modems and integrated services digital network (ISDN) links. The availability of greater bandwidth enables the delivery of high quality audio and video services. Such services require bounded delay characteristics. This paper evaluates the capacity and performance characteristics of the DOCSIS 1.0 protocol for the delivery of isochronous streams given the limited quality of service (QOS) features of the protocol and a modem population of up to 500 nodes. Stream rates of up to 64 Kbps with different packet size were considered, suitable for compressed audio, voice and low quality video. Packet concatenation for upstream traffic was also considered. Simulation results indicated that such streams, within the given protocol limitations, can be supported for a particular system population with tradeoffs in terms of system throughput and channel utilisation of up to 50%. The network capacity, in terms of the number of simultaneous streams supported and link utilisation, is significantly affected by packet size. Support for concatenation has limited advantages. Performance benefits from concatenation are more evident when delivering higher rate bitstreams     

龙口广电宽带综合信息接入网的建设

根据龙口市宽带综合接入网的拓扑结构、传输体制和接入网技术，介绍网络建设与运营经验。